Gentle Strategies for Managing Agitation in a Dementia Care Home
Supporting a loved one who is dealing with dementia has its challenges like agitation and confusion. In addition to restlessness, frustration, and sudden mood changes, it can be a stressful situation for your loved one and the rest of the family. There may be a point where transitioning them into a dementia care home can make the best possible sense. It can also be a place where you know that your loved one will be in the best care.
That’s because professional staff are highly trained to implement strategies for managing agitation. When you visit your loved one in a memory care setting, you’ll also learn about these strategies as well. Please know that agitation, while a heartbreaking part of dementia to witness, can be managed accordingly even on your own accord during such visits (even if you need staff assistance in such situations).
What To Know About Agitation in Dementia?
Agitation in dementia may appear in different forms. For example, your loved one may be irritable, pacing, or even raising their voice when speaking. Other ways it may be displayed could be during periods of confusion, restlessness, and asking the same question repeatedly. One thing to note is that these behaviors are not intentional and can signal that a person is uncomfortable, unable to express their needs, and overwhelmed (especially if they are adjusting to new changes from moving out of their cottage into a memory care living space).
The question is: what causes this agitation in the first place? Additionally, how can it be managed? First, let’s discuss what could trigger it:
- Environmental changes like crowded spaces or loud noises
- Emotional factors like disorientation or loneliness
- Physical discomfort like fatigue, hunger, etc
By tackling the root cause of agitation, your loved one’s care staff can handle the issue accordingly. You can also implement some of the strategies yourself to ensure that they remain calm (while also not undermining the duties of the care staff who are specially trained). Both you and your loved one’s care staff can work together to create a comfortable environment for them so agitation is kept to a minimum.
The Power and Impact of a Calm Environment in Memory Care
Memory care communities prioritize creating an environment that is calm and comfortable with the intent of reducing agitation. This includes implementing soft lighting, soothing colors, and other elements that ensure that a quiet environment is created. In addition, a clutter-free environment can also be a contributing factor to the overall calmness. Even speaking in calm tones can also create a powerful and impactful environment for your loved one in a memory care setting.
During your visits, you may consider adding some layers of comfort as well. This can be something like calm tones, soothing music, or something similar to set the mood.
Communicating With Reassurance
Communication is always key with your loved ones. However, agitation related to dementia makes it difficult, especially when it comes to the way we respond. That’s why reassuring communication makes it more manageable. To implement this approach with your loved one, consider the following:
- Use short and clear sentences
- Speak slowly and with a tone that is friendly and warm
- Refrain from using commands and use choices instead
- Listen with attentiveness, even if your loved one repeats words
Even small reassuring things like a touch on their shoulder or hand can signify calm and reassuring communication. However, it must be important to determine if your loved one is comfortable with it as well. The ultimate goal is respecting their comfort and space while also fulfilling their need of feeling safe and supported.
What Are Some Of The Best Activities That Bring Comfort?
You and your loved one can be able to participate in activities together that are both comfortable and keeps agitation at bay. There are numerous memory care communities that will allow you and your loved one to participate together in programs that provide mutual comfort such as:
- Listening to familiar music
- Gentle physical exercises like stretching and walking
- Reminiscence activities like looking through family photos
- Art or craft projects that emphasize creativity
These experiences are meaningful for both you and your loved one. Even if the intent is to redirect agitation, it also has the opportunity to create a sense of joy and purpose for you both.
Time to Explore The Brennity Memory Care at Melbourne: Your Senior Loved One’s Most Comfortable Space
The Brennity at Melbourne is a place where your senior loved one can receive the best care for dementia while also reducing the risk of agitation. Our trained staff offers not just a calming environment to reduce agitation and other symptoms, but also provides your loved one with enriching activities that improve their quality of life. Whether it’s sensory-rich activities or a space where calm conversations happen regularly, your loved one will be in the best place for their memory care needs. For more information, contact us today.
